Akufo-Addo leaves Ghana on 3-day Japan visit

President Akufo Addo is leaving Ghana on Sunday for a 3-day visit to Japan.

The visit is at the invitation of that country’s leader, Prime Minister, Shinzō Abe.

A statement from the presidency said “the purpose of the visit is to deepen further the already strong relations that exist between the two countries, as well as explore areas of further co-operation for their mutual benefit.”

Akufo-Addo among other activities will pay a courtesy call on the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Akihito, hold meetings with CEOs of some important Japanese companies, attend a joint Ghana Investment Promotion Centre/Japan External Trade Organization business seminar, and meet with members of the Ghanaian community resident in Japan.

A state dinner will be hosted by Prime Minister Abe in Akufo-Addo’s honour.

Members of the President’s delegation to Japan include the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway and Deputy Minister for Finance, Charles Adu Boahen.

An unstated number of officials from the presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also on the trip.

This will be Akufo-Addo’s first official visit to the Asian country since he assumed office as President in January 2017, and the first time he is holding an official meeting with Prime Minister Shinzō Abe

“The President will return to Ghana on Friday, 14th December, 2018, and in his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, shall in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead,” the statement from the presidency said.